The Highways Agency is urging drivers to prepare themselves and their vehicles so they can stay safe and keep roads running smoothly.
All you have to do is take some simple steps:
• Check your vehicle – fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres – before setting out.
• Be prepared with an emergency kit in your vehicle, including ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, torch, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a spade, a road atlas and sunglasses (for the winter glare).
• Plan your journeys. Check weather and travel conditions before and during your journey.
• If the weather is very severe, consider whether your journey is essential or travel at a different time. In winter, the weather can change quickly so always be prepared for bad weather.
• Remember that even when roads have been treated with salt, ice can still form, particularly on bends or under overhanging trees.
For more information on how to stay safe when driving in winter weather visit their website their ‘Make Time for Winter’ pages at: www.highways.gov.uk/winter.
Drivers can also follow @winterhighways on Twitter for timely reminders and traffic updates. There are also regional feeds for live traffic information, available a twww.highways.gov.uk/twitter and more information on Facebook at www.facebook.com/winterhighways.
Road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line (0300 123 5000) to keep up to date with road conditions.
